New, multimillion-dollar prizes reward theoretical physicists
JUL 31, 2012
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.026212
New York Times : Nine physicists, the first recipients of the Fundamental Physics Prize , have each been awarded $3 million. Each prize recognizes an idea that “expands our understanding of at least what is possible” but does not require that the idea be proven true, says Yuri Milner, who established the prize. Milner is a former physics graduate student who made billions investing in technology stocks. This year’s prizes were awarded for work in string theory, cosmic inflation, and quantum computing, and the recipients were chosen by Milner himself. However, the prizes in future years will be chosen by a committee of the past recipients and will also include a smaller prize for promising young researchers.
© 2012 American Institute of Physics
